We left at about 3:30 PM two hours before the high tide at 5:30 so that we could paddle with the current in and return with the tide. We put in at Scotland Bridge where there is a concrete and dirt boat ramp. During high tide a fair number of locals jump off the bridge and swim in the area. Parking can be tight and is restricted to the side of the road, but I have never had a problem. Below is a map of the surrounding area.
- York River Map.jpg (142.9 KiB) Viewed 5140 times
There is an additional put in further down river off of route 1 where there are some parking spaces along the road this put in requires a longer portage down to the water, but also offers a longer trip.
After we put in we passed under Scotland Bridge and moved upriver. We took our time around the first couple of bends and took the first right turn. Afer a short stop for a nice swim, we continued a little further upriver. The tide hadn't yet turned when we began our return trip, but we were far enough upriver that the current didn't pose a challenge. A few additional paddlers passed us on the river as well as a couple motor boats, but we mostly had the the entire river to ourselves. The only problem were the horse flies, which were bothersome when you were sitting still, but mostly left us alone when we were moving. The river was beautiful with only a couple houses and docks in the first turn or two. We returned to the put in at about 6:30 and had to shuffle boats around as several other paddlers were coming out at the same time.
Thanks everyone!
- Scotland Bridge
- river4.jpg (220.39 KiB) Viewed 5140 times
- river2.jpg (137.89 KiB) Viewed 5140 times
- river3.jpg (138.62 KiB) Viewed 5140 times
Total trip time: 3 hours
Total distance: 2-3 miles
